Frontlist | Printed Matter’s Virtual Art Book Fair for 2021

Printed Matter will host its first Virtual Art Book Fair (PMVABF), kicking off with a celebratory opening event on Wednesday, February 24 at 4pm EST. The Opening, which is free with registration, will include musical performances, interactive activities, a new variety show by Bob Baker Marionette Theater, the premiere of RE/Search Publications’s V. Vale and Marian Wallace’s theme song for PMVABF, plus many ways to discover publishers, hang out, and have fun. Artist Cory Arcangel has created two editions of a new artwork for the Opening, “SimplySimplify,” available as a digital download in an open edition or as a limited edition screen print; the latter is produced as a fundraising edition in support of the fair. Each PMVABF exhibitor will present a dedicated website to feature their projects. On these sites, visitors can purchase artists’ books, attend panels and talks, view book trailers and artist-made videos, and listen to music. Fair attendees will also have the chance to interact with exhibitors from around the world. Over the course of five days, PMVABF will host dozens of live and pre-recorded programs including lectures, DJ sets, screenings, and conversations led by artists, publishers, designers, musicians, and writers. Highlights include longstanding programs such as The Classroom, a conversation series with artists and publishers featuring Dayanita Singh, Chip Lord, Dodie Bellamy, Fia Backström, and Amy Sillman; and The Stage, a diverse lineup of musical performances including NYC’s Papi Juice collective, Qatar’s Sonic Jeel collective, V. Vale, Laraaji, and many others. PMVABF will also debut a series of guided tours with special guests, as well as a new program series centering activist publishing practices by exhibitors in the Friendly Fire section, and more! Since 2005, Printed Matter’s Art Book Fairs have hosted international exhibitors featuring a wide variety of works, from zines and artists’ books to rare and out of print publications, as well as contemporary art editions. The new Virtual Art Book Fair expands upon the rich tradition of Printed Matter’s beloved NY and LA Art Book Fairs, including over 400 exhibitors from 43 countries, with online programs, performances, games, and more. Source: Hyper Allergic